Box storage vs self-storage

If you’re looking for a way to store your belongings simply and easily, you may have come across box storage and self-storage services. Both are great storage options, but one may suit you more than the other, depending on what kind of storage needs you have.

In this blog, we’re looking at the two different options – box storage and self-storage – and will present the most important points about both to help you decide which would be best for you.

What is box storage?

Once you have organised box storage with your chosen company, they will send you boxes and bubblewrap so you can pack up all the belongings you want to store with them.

They will then collect the boxes the next day and your belongings will be taken to a storage facility. If you want your items back, you will need to contact the company and request a delivery. The company will then return the items to you on the following day.

In terms of costs, box storage providers tend to price their services by the cost per box for collection and the cost per box for return. You will pay more if you retrieve your boxes more often and less if you store them for longer without recalling them.

Advantages of box storage

There are a number of advantages to box storage, the first of which is the convenience of the service. You will not need to transport, or organise transport for, any of your belongings since the storage company will collect them for you and return them when you request, right to your door. This is great if you’re looking to store items that you won’t need for some time.

Also, another advantage is the price. Since you pay a set price per box, if you need to store a single item or a few items that require less space than the smallest self-storage space, then this will prove to be a cost-effective service. Plus, as we mentioned before, if you are not needing items for a long time, you won’t need to pay the recall fee very often.

Disadvantages of box storage

If you do decide to use box storage, there are a few aspects of the service you need to be aware of. Once you have sent off your items, you won’t be able to see them while in storage, so you won’t have the advantage of being able to see where or how they’re stored. While the warehouses used by box storage companies are typically covered by CCTV, they are not usually staffed onsite.

Also, since you won’t be able to access your items while they are in storage, if you store something that you then want to access with more frequency you will pay a lot to recall and then store it each time you want to access it.

What is self-storage?

Self-storage works differently to box storage in that you locate a storage facility, choose what size of unit you will need to fit your belongings, and then take those belongings to your unit. Once your belongings are safely stored away, they are kept in the unit for as long as you need them to be.

You can access your unit whenever you wish and remove your stored belongings at any time. The price you will pay will be for the cost of your unit, which is calculated per square foot of space. You can find out the average costs of a self-storage unit in London here.

Advantages of self-storage

Self-storage, unlike box storage, provides much more flexibility with your possessions. Since you’ll be able to choose the exact size storage unit you’d like, and can change that size over time if you need to store more or less, your experience will be fully personalised.

Also, you can rent a storage unit for as little time as a week or as long as you could want, meaning that self-storage can adapt around your requirements, should you just need to store furniture while moving house, or store keepsakes and memories to keep safe. You’ll be able to access your unit whenever you wish and can take things out and add new things however you like.

At CitySpace, our storage units are modern, clean, dry and completely secure, meaning that your belongings will be kept safe and well looked after with our CCTV and alarm systems.

Disadvantages of self-storage

The only disadvantage of self-storage is that you will need to transport your belongings to and from the storage facility. To do this, you can either hire a van, transport your belongings in your car or organise for a removals company to transport your belongings for you.

With our removals service, packaging supplies and accessible parking spots, we can help make sure that your move in process and your storage experience as a whole is as straightforward and stress free as possible.

If you’re looking for a self-storage facility in the heart of London, take a look at what we offer at CitySpace Storage. We offer 24/7 access to your secure, clean, and modern unit and are perfectly suited to any belongings you wish to store. Get a quote and start storing with us today!